Leo Simon
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All For Myself Chapter 8
🕑 Added 2023-05-08 14:39:31 +0000 UTCToshinori did his best to hide his anxiety at the situation as he sat among several well known pro-heroes who he's going to be working with for the operation they have planned.
He's famous for doing what he does completely by himself, a habit that he admits is hurting him more than helping him, and knows that whilst he can't do everything he wants to, as impossible as it is, this is sometimes mistaken as him flaunting his strength however as the symbol of peace it's his job to be a pillar of support and strength for those around him.
Some of the heroes who will be partaking in this operation are, Fatgum, Miruko, Ryukyu, Rock Lock, Eraserhead and, as awkward as it is, Sir Nighteye.
Locking eyes with his old sidekick he felt a sense of sorrow ruse in his chest, Mirai was like a younger brother to him, that fanboy who wanted to be his sidekick so badly that he literally begged him over the phone. With a first impression like that seeing him so expressionless all the time was rather strange. Almost as strange as his sense of humor. Though despite the man's many Quirks, pun not intended, he was a fantastic hero and friend to Toshinori and them parting ways was a massive blow.
That fight with All For One took more than just his stomach that's for sure.
And here they are preparing to stop a second one from rising to power.
Mirai held no resentment in his gaze however he did hold a sense of worry that was obvious and twisted a knife in All Mights gut. However them working together was purely professional, Nighteye wasn't his sidekick anymore and they were fighting as equals in this battle.
His police officer friend Tsukauchi entered at last and after walking to the end of the table his serious gaze was cast onto the heroes who were all experts in crime busting.
"I'd like to start by thanking you all for coming here on such short notice, calling so many talented people was necessary given who we're going to be busting." Those words earned concerned looks from a few heroes such as Ryukyu and Rock Lock with some of the sidekicks who were also called to take part in the operation leaning in closer with interest at the prospect of a criminal organisation that would require All Might as well as so many well known heroes to take down.
Detective Tsukauchi pulled out a remote and clicked a button which activated the screen behind him to display an image of a white haired young man with a carefree expression surrounded by unconcious bodies whilst he held two people by the face. The image made a few heroes frown in displeasure at seeing a youth acting so casual about violence.
All Might however wasn't so casual seeing such a scene, he couldn't help but stiffen up and have to steady his breath. The boy has changed a lot in just two years... he really does look like All For-
"Hey All Might you alright?" Suddenly he realised that all eyes were on him and the concept immediately made him seal up all signs of weakness.
He was horrified at his own actions, no matter what he has to maintain his composure, he is the Symbol of Peace, not the Symbol of Weakness. He has to remain strong no matter what, because that is the life he chose. What he represents.
Seeing All Might tense up at the image of some kid worried Rock Lock and he voiced his opinion." So we're all gathered here to help take down... some kid?"
All Might couldn't help but feel some displeasure at that, nobody with All For One should be underestimated because of their age, he might act, and even sometimes think, like a buffoon however despite what some might think he isn't an idiot, he isn't arrogant enough to underestimate someone for something as trivial as their age. With what this kid can do he will be a deadly foe.
Tsukauchi let distaste show on his expression." He is not just 'some kid', his name is Ryoto Saito-" he clicked a button to change the screen onto a picture of a few students."- two years ago he was involved with four cases of assault, he beat three of his classmates and one of his teachers into a coma and quit school in-"
"I'm sorry but is that all this is about? I don't see why you need all of us here-" He gestured to so many heroes, many of which were in the top ten, and then to himself."- just to take one guy." The man was clearly thought it was unnecessary.
If Tsukauchi was irritated by the interruption it didn't show." If you'd allow me to finish then you'd know that two months later, when the victims awoke from their comas, were unable to activate their Quirks." His words were grim and every hero that hear him were shocked to say the least.
The implications of his words were terrifying and the heroes around felt a need to know precisely what the lie detecting detective meant.
"What do you mean by they can't use their Quirks?" Ryukyus words were calm and she maintained her composure despite the slight from that showed on her face.
Tsukauchi paused for a moment before answering." Well I mean exactly that-" He flipped to the next image"- after examining the bodies of the victims the doctors found out that the Quirk factors of those involved were, for a lack of a better word, destroyed. All of the test results that came back showed that they were all Quirkless."
Many heroes openly displayed shock at what Tsukauchi was possibly suggesting but the blank faced man continued after flipping to another slide, yet another of the bot supposedly responsible.
"To be honest with you it's best that this boys ability stays hidden from the public, the very nature of his ability is something that could shake the very foundation of our society. Knowing this do you all agree to stay quiet?"
Receiving nothing but nods from his colleagues Tsukauchi let out a sigh." His ability is likely the ability to steal Quirks from others, he can either keep them for himself or pass them on to others."
Toshinori prepared for the worst and he got it.
Several heroes actually gaped at the thought of such a power existing, All Might wasn't much different when he first heard in all honesty, a Quirk that steals Quirks now that isn't a very pleasant thought.
Heroes are practically centred around what Quirks they have, a fact that Toshinori personally doesn't agree with, and the idea of facing someone who could end and destroy their entire lives work with just a touch is a fact that will make many falter.
However they won't have to worry about fighting him, that responsibility will fall on the Symbol of Peace.
"Hold on, are you saying that we're fighting with someone that has the same Quirk as All For One, isn't he just an urban legend."
Toshinori actually wasn't surprised that Eraserhead has heard of All For One, he is an underground hero and the supervillain was the king of the underworld, as good as the villain was at staying under the radar, with hiw much power and influence he had it's impossible to remain completely anonymous.
Tsukauchi merely answered without betraying surprise." We don't know if this boy has connections to All For One but given that they share the same Quirk it's more than likely."
Toshinori wasn't arrogant but he was relatively certain that he'd be able to handle the boy, whilst he did sustain an injury that would have killed a lesser hero, this wasn't the same monster that ruled over Japan from the shadows for over a century. He was young, inexperienced and likely didn't have anywhere near the collection of Quirks All For One possessed, so despite the Blondes man's declining health he was certain that he could take the second All For One.
Moving on and ignoring the heroes shock at the situation Tsukauchi resumed talking." One thing is for sure, as far as I can tell this kid isn't concerned about staying under the radar and hiding what he's doing, if anything I'd say he's challenging us, hundreds of thugs from around the country have been found missing their Quirks, these were all criminals who he left for us to take in, it could be an intimidation tactic, to show how many Quirks he's taken, it could be that he thinks with his power nobody can stop him and doesn't see the point in hiding, either way he's not being subtle."
The knowledge that they may have to fight someone with possibly hundreds of Quirks made many heroes shift uneasily in their seats, this wasn't something a normal hero could handle, should word get out about a person who can do... that it would shake their society, cause widespread unrest and panic.
"We also believe that he's been rallying people to his cause, how many exactly we aren't certain, but we can expect a good few hundred. Don't worry though, they are likely not very well trained, anything truly massive we would have figured out by now."
A map then appeared on screen with a total of five hideouts throughout Musutafu.
Tsukauchi spoke seriously and firmly." We've spent the better part of a few months locating and mapping out all the hideouts under his leadership, we did so by capturing and interrogating several of his members. They were all caught relatively easily with little resistance and we are certain that these are his only hideouts so we won't give them time to retaliate and take them all out in one fell swoop."
Toshinori had to admit that it was a solid plan, his friend has a lie detecting Quirk so the Intel that they're receiving will be genuine plus they have a number of high ranking heroes to help with this operation.
However something is bugging him about this whole situation, All For One was no where near this incompetent, splurging information to people who clearly aren't loyal to him, giving away the locations of his hideouts so easily, the sloppy moves that verge on the brink of stupidity.
Something in his gut just tells him that this is too easy.
He shook his head. He's looking a gifted horse in the mouth, this was a kid not even eighteen, All For One was a cunning mastermind with over a century to his name, it's an unfair comparison to expect this new villain to be as strong or smart as the old one. He's being paranoid.
Looking back, he realised that they were practically begging for failure.
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"Alright is everyone in position?" Rock Lock spoke into his communicator to confirm with the others whether the operation should continue. Throughout Musutafu the heroes were divided into five different groups that would all strike at once, they have evacuated the people in homes around the bases in order to ensure that no citizens are caught in the crossfire, they appear to be having an important meeting, given the large amount of people who entered the buildings at various different times of the day, and so would all be grouped up together in a nice big cage for them to enter.
Rock Lock however felt that something was off about this whole situation, it all seems just a little too convenient in his opinion, he doubts that they're the smartest tools in the shed, as most villains are, however the sheer stupidity of someone who gathered so many villains to his cause makes him uneasy.
"Yo are sure that they're gonna be rounded up down there?" He asked through his comms, sceptical about what's going on and how easy it sounds on paper when their enemy is someone with such a unique ability.
Ryukyu chimed in." Of course, they're all rounded up down there, we should strike whilst the irons hot and not give them a chance to react."
That only applies if they're actually striking at iron at all.
Rock Lock shook his head. He's overthinking this isn't he? His wife says he does that a lot.
Fatgum, the expert in combating crime, yelled into the communicator with vigor." Alright everyone, take them down!"
Rock Lock turned to the group behind him that he was put in charge of and barked out an order, feeling like doing his job." Alright get going, group A follow me, the rest of you all except group D be on standby to support us if something goes wrong, the rest of you secure the perimeter, we'll catch them all right here!"
Everyone did their jobs and he ran right to the front door and quickly opened it to let his fellow heroes in." Check all the rooms, make sure they aren't hiding anywhere and if you get to them restrain and capture." Rock Lock knew they wouldn't need to resort to lethal force, they had over fifty heroes and sidekicks per base they were taking down. Even if they did put up a fight there's no way they're escaping. Still though...
He nervously glances back at Eraserhead, this Quirk stealing kid is supposed to be at this hideout, that's the reason that the Eraser hero was with him, to take out the biggest threat.
One of the heroes with a Quirk that can see through walls pointed in the direction of a basement." I can see a massive amount of people down there, I'm pretty sure all their members are in just one place."
Rock Lock let a grin grace his face." Get ready everyone, gather together and get ready to rush them. Eraserhead you get in front, we're counting on you to erase their leaders Quirk." His words were vague, the less people there are that know about that guys Quirk the better.
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Two groups of villains checked the time on their watches, only a few more minutes until they begin their assault.
She and the others were dressed in special costumes designed to aid them in their Quirks usage, reduce Quirk drawbacks and overall improve their abilities in combat. She has no idea how Ryoto managed to get so many of them made off the books, given how hero costumes of this quality are supposed to be hard to come by, however given what he can do she just doesn't question him anymore. Never question Ryoto, that's her motto, if you do you'll go insane. Or die... or both.
"Are you sure that this plan is gonna work? It seems kinda stupid. Nah I think it's a great plan, the guy who came up with it should get a medal." Aoi heard Twice talk and wasn't sure whether to laugh or sigh. On the one hand Jin isn't a bad guy per say and despite his mental... issues, he's extremely devoted to their cause and this operation wouldn't have been possible without his help, without his Quirk, however he should also learn to shut up before she gets a headache from his constant yelling.
She was assigned as the leader to this team and their plan was simple but effective, though now that she thinks about it aren't the best plans the simple ones? Besides Ryoto came up with it, how bad can this plan be.
Their goal for this mission is simple, to weaken the heroes forces whilst they aren't manning their agencies and are all gathered in one place.
She stared at her hand for a moment. She no longer had 'Cooldown' like she did before, instead her Quirk stealing leader have her a Quirk more suited to this mission. Learning how to use a new Quirk, especially one as complex as this, took time and effort, whilst she hasn't mastered this ability her expertise in using this Quirk should be high enough for the job. She just hopes that she doesn't let him down.
Looking back at their group she was grateful that several of her strongest comrades were here with her for this mission. There's Chojuro, one of the strongest in their organisation, Kiruka, a very dangerous woman in her own right, Hoyo, a man that's surprisingly brutal in a fight despite how polite he seems, Tokohiro, the guy who was in charge of securing any of their members who couldn't fly, and of course there's Shouko, their Warper.
She sincerely hoped that nothing happened to Shouko. When she first joined this organisation she was weak, she was alone, however with Shouko she found her first friend in... well her first friend really. Ryoto isn't shy in admitting that he is recruiting these people for more than simply goodwill, even if that is a part of it, he recruits the Quirkless because of how loyal and devoted they are to his cause, because they know what real pain is, because they want to fight back against this damned system. She personally doesn't mind much that he's exploiting her loneliness, she was alone until he came along and stopped her from jumping, he saved her, she wants to repay him from the bottom of her heart-
And now she can.
Her watch hit the ten PM mark. This is it.
"Alright go now!" She was leader of this mission, it's her job to lead them to victory, anything that goes wrong is completely on her.
At her words Shouko opened a Warp Gate and looking down she spotted how far the ground was from where the portal was and faltered for a moment however she remembered her leaders words.
There will be many hardships ahead, many tough days. However we will change this society, and it will be easier with your help
He saw something in her that she didn't see in herself, it's time to show this society that she won't lie down and take what they do to her with a grain of salt.
"Let's go!" She yelled and remembered her training before jumping through the portal.
The change was instantaneous as her 'hero' costumes white hood flapped in the wind behind her as she descended on the city at high speeds. Tokohiro would handle the others, she just needed to accomplish her own objective.
Making use of 'Air Cannon's fly, an ability that had become second nature to her, she altered her trajectory and instead of following the others to the ground.
Flying above the city she allowed the wind to rush between her dark Bob cut and she flew a safe distance away from her allies and raised her head on high.
She mused how peaceful and bright the city looked below when compared to how dark and vicious the people inside it really were. She's no fool, she knows that what they're doing will hurt innocent people in the short term however they're going to war against this hero world, and the sad thing about war is that innocents suffer. It's unfortunate but necessary.
Raising her hand up high and proud she simultaneously activated all three of her Quirks at once, a feeling that, whilst a little strange, wasn't exactly foreign to her, she'd trained for this afterall.
Air Cannon + Spring-Like Limbs + Radio Waves
A swirling ball of air and dark electricity gathered in her palm, condensed and overflowed before she finally let go-
The result was explosive with wind flying in all directions with electricity seemingly fused into it, the blast caused the city all around her to go dark with any electronics within entire miles being completely wrecked as any phones, televisions, radios or any connection that most of the city had to the outside world vanished.
This is all for a better world.
